Periodontal Therapy: Treating Gum Disease and Protecting Your Teeth
When most people think about dental health, they often focus on teeth. But your gums and the bone underneath are just as important. They’re the foundation of your smile and when they become infected, your entire oral health is at risk.
This is where periodontal therapy comes in. It’s a set of treatments that help manage and stop gum disease, keeping your teeth stable and your smile healthy.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth including your gums, ligaments, and jawbone. It usually starts quietly, with symptoms like:
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Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
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Red or swollen gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Receding gums (teeth look longer)
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Loose teeth
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss even if the teeth themselves are healthy. That’s why early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential.
What Are The Goals of Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy refers to all the professional procedures used to treat gum disease. The goals are to:
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Remove infection-causing bacteria
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Stop gum inflammation
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Prevent bone loss
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Help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth
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Protect your teeth from becoming loose or falling out
Depending on how advanced the gum disease is, treatment can be non-surgical or surgical.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Surgical Periodontal Therapy
This is often the first step in treating gum disease, especially in mild to moderate cases.
1. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
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This special type of cleaning goes below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of your teeth. After cleaning, the roots are smoothed to help the gums reattach.
2. Local Medication
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Sometimes, antibiotics or antibacterial gels are placed directly into the gum pockets to fight off infection.
3. Oral Care Coaching
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Good oral hygiene at home is essential. We’ll guide you on brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses properly to prevent the disease from coming back.
If the disease has advanced and deep pockets or bone loss are present, surgery may be needed.
1. Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
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The gums are gently lifted to clean deep tartar deposits and reduce the depth of the pockets.
2. Bone Grafting
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If gum disease has destroyed part of the jawbone, bone graft material may be placed to help rebuild the bone and support your teeth.
3. Gum Grafting
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If your gums have receded too much, soft tissue may be added to cover exposed roots and protect the tooth.
4. Regenerative Therapy
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In some cases, special materials can be used to help the body regrow bone and tissue lost to gum disease.
Why Periodontal Therapy Matters
1. Saves natural teeth
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The most common reason adults lose teeth is gum disease, not cavities.
2. Improves your appearance
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Healthy gums are essential to a confident smile.
3. Fights bad breath
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Bacteria from gum infections can cause persistent odor.
4. Protects overall health
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Studies have shown links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Why Choose A. DENT for Periodontal Care?
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We focus on early detection and conservative treatment
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We provide gentle care, using modern tools to ensure comfort
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We offer both non-surgical and surgical options, depending on your needs
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Our team is here to guide you every step of the way toward a healthier smile
Ready to Take Care of Your Gums?
Gum disease often starts without pain but it doesn’t go away on its own. Periodontal therapy can help protect your teeth, improve your breath, and keep your smile healthy for life.